carrier pigeon

noun

1. one of a breed of domestic pigeons having a large wattle around the base of the beak.
2. a homing pigeon trained to carry messages.

carrier pigeon

noun

1. any homing pigeon, esp one used for carrying messages

Word History and Origins

Origin of carrier pigeon¹

First recorded in 1640–50

Example Sentences

From smoke signals to carrier pigeons to the telephone to television, humans have always sought methods that would allow them to communicate farther, faster and more reliably.

From Quanta Magazine

A carrier pigeon flies home, and so we say it "knows" the way.

From Project Gutenberg

There was one representing a starry night, another a tulip, and another a carrier pigeon with a letter at her neck.

From Project Gutenberg

Cultured Teuton training carrier pigeon, when off duty, to pose as a parrot.

From Project Gutenberg

It softened to a caress as she stooped to pick up the little carrier pigeon.

From Project Gutenberg

This very day a carrier pigeon should be dispatched to the patriarch in Upper Egypt, and bring back his decision.

From Project Gutenberg